Sauerkraut Balls

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + chilling Cook: 20 min.
Yield 5 dozen
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
These sauerkraut ham balls are such a delish appetizer, you might start buying whole hams just so you'll have leftovers. You can also form them into larger balls and serve them as a main course.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground fully cooked ham
  • 1 jar (16 ounces) sauerkraut, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons plus 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs, divided
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • Oil for deep-fat frying

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ham, sauerkraut, onion and 2 tablespoons bread crumbs. In another bowl, combine the cream cheese, parsley, mustard, garlic powder and pepper; stir into sauerkraut mixture. Chill for 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Shape into 3/4-in. balls; coat with flour. In a small bowl, beat eggs and milk. Dip ham balls into the egg mixture, then roll in the remaining bread crumbs.
  3. In a deep-fat fryer or electric skillet, heat oil to 375°. Fry ham balls until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
Cooking is something I've always enjoyed, particularly when I'm doing it for people who enjoy eating! This sauerkraut ham balls dish is such a family favorite that I'll buy a ham sometimes just so I can make it. You can also make the recipe into larger balls and serve it as a main course. I'm a city bus driver who likes to swap recipes with passengers. —Lillian Thomas, Toledo, Ohio
Recipe Creator

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